Golden Eagles Defeat Memphis 2-1 in Series Opener

Press Release from SouthernMiss.com

HATTIESBURG, Miss. –- Andrew Pierce threw 8 1/3 strong innings and Southern Miss scored all of its runs in the fourth as they defeated Memphis 2-1 here Friday in the first game of a Conference USA series at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field.

The Golden Eagles (21-16 overall, 5-5 C-USA) snapped a season-high three-game losing streak as Pierce limited the Tigers to a run on nine hits and a walk with 10 strikeouts to improve to 5-2 on the season.

Southern Miss got a leadoff single from Isaac Rodriguez to start the fourth to increase his current team-best hitting streak to nine games. Kameron Brunty then followed with a run-scoring triple. It was Brunty's 14th career triple as he moved into second place on the school's career chart in that category.

After a strikeout and flyout, Ashley Graeter singled up the middle to give Southern Miss all the runs they needed in the contest.

After giving up two hits in each of the first three innings, Pierce retired 14 of the next 15 batters before giving up a couple of singles and a walk to go along with a flyout to start the ninth.

The Golden Eagles then called for Bradley Roney who struckout T.J. Rich for the second out of the frame. After surrendering a wild pitch to give the Tigers (17-21, 6-7) their lone run, Roney fanned Derrick Thomas to end the game and get his sixth save of the campaign.

The run allowed was charged to Pierce and ended his string of 23 1/3 innings of not allowing a run.

The two teams return to action Saturday in a 12 noon contest. The game will be telecast by Fox Sports Net. Please check your local listings for availability of the game in your area.